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Well, we had a few disasters with cameras - the digital one is dead and my good 35mm camera was broken between leaving the driveway and getting there after the head was off. So, no pictures.
The results were crystal clear. The number one exhaust valve for the number one cylinder is the culprit. It has two sizeable cracks and is pretty severely burned. The rest of the engine looked a little dirty, considering I have only used synthetic oil in the car and have never gone more than 7,000 miles (and that only once, with most changes at 5,000 miles) between changes even with 206,000 miles. The mechanical condition was remarkable though, with the cylinder bores virtually like new - crosshatching of original honing was apparent, and no metal ridge at the top.
While we are in there we are replacing the water pump (just because it is original and it is just staring at you, daring you to leave it) and a little pipe that supplies coolant to the head, along with some of the rubber tubes and bits. Overall, the engine is looking like another 200,000 miles are possible if Peter keeps the chassis up to snuff.
Peter had a great day, as Art let him take a good bit of the auxiliary stuff off, and showed him some good mechanic's practices. Michael, you were right, he is a great guy. Not too many people would let a 16 year old hang around, looking over their shoulder while they are working.
Well, it looks like next weekend or the weekend after that and the car will be back together. Art pointed out a number of places where Peter will be depositing his summer earnings for the next few years, but overall the car is pretty solid.
Keep you posted, Jim
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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles
Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)
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